GREAT BEAR
- Program
- Subject
- Location
- Lat/Long
- Grant Recipient
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Legends & Lore®
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Legend
- State Hwy 57 & Great Bear Rd, New York 13069, USA
- 43.265907, -76.351824
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Town of Volney
GREAT BEAR
Inscription
GREAT BEARLOCAL LORE SAYS A YOUNG
NATIVE AMERICAN MAN WAS
ATTACKED HERE BY A LARGE BEAR.
UPON VANQUISHING THE BEAR HE
NAMED THE SPRING GREAT BEAR.
NEW YORK FOLKLORE
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2021
The area known as Great Bear Springs in Oswego County, NY, has long been a source of drinking water, as well as a source of local lore.
One enduring legend about the origin of the area’s name recounts the story of a young Native American man who visited the springs. A giant bear attacked him. Despite the animal’s size, the man was able to save his own life and vanquish the bear. In honor of his victory, the young man named the springs “Mishemokwa,” meaning “great bear.”
One version of the story recounts the man being attacked while drinking from the springs. In another, he drank from the springs following the exhaustive struggle fighting the bear. Some versions of the legend say the man was the father of prominent Haudenosaunee leader, Hiawatha.
In 2006, the nonprofit, Friends of Great Bear, was formed to help conserve and protect the area, known as Great Bear Springs Recreation Area. Comprised of nearly 500 acres, there are over six miles of trails open to the public. Great Bear Springs Recreation Area is owned by the City of Fulton, Town of Volney and Central New York Land Trust.
